Scholarships

Applications are now open for scholarships commencing in 2026.

Information regarding opening and closing dates for the 2026 RMIT Research Funded Scholarship round is available in the table below:

Candidates are welcome to apply outside the designated window for research projects funded through alternative sources, including school or college-based scholarships, industry-sponsored scholarships, or other financial guarantees.

RMIT is committed to pursuing innovative and relevant research. Our research scholarships support you during your candidature and provide you with the best opportunity to pursue excellence in your research. Our scholarships support you by offering:

RMIT makes research scholarships available to research candidates through competitive scholarship rounds. Scholarships are awarded to successful applicants through a merit-based process that considers academic achievement and relevant research-related experience – such as research publications and relevant industry experience.

Applications for scholarship rounds must be submitted by the advertised deadlines in the previous table.

When you apply for a scholarship, you will automatically be considered for all available scholarships within the round.

Only highly ranked applicants will automatically be considered for a Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS).

RMIT is committed to supporting Indigenous candidates. If you identify as Indigenous Australian and indicate this on your application form, you will be considered for an RMIT Research Indigenous Scholarship that is made available during each round.

RMIT offers two types of scholarships for higher degree by research candidates:

• Stipend Scholarships: These are designed to provide a regular allowance to help candidates cover their living costs while they undertake their research studies.
• Tuition Fee Scholarships: These scholarships cover a student's tuition fees for a higher degree by research (HDR) program; but they do not provide a cash stipend for living costs.

More information about these scholarships, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Terms and conditions page.

If you are affected by a disability or are living with a long-term medical condition, additional consideration is available. If you are applying for equity consideration, further information will be requested when submitting your scholarship application.

Click the button below to get up to speed with everything you need to know about the application process, including eligibility, required documentation, locating a supervisor and identifying your research project.

Learn about the terms and conditions associated with applying for, and receiving, a HDR Scholarship at RMIT.